AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following symptoms is consistent with the onset of acute stroke protocol?

1. Unilateral leg weakness

2. Regular speech

3. Full facial symmetry

4. Unilateral arm strength

The correct answer is: Unilateral leg weakness

The onset of acute stroke protocol is typically associated with specific symptoms that may indicate a disruption in brain function due to a blood supply issue. One key symptom is unilateral weakness, which can manifest as weakness in one side of the body. Unilateral leg weakness aligns with these symptoms because it can signify that there is a problem in the part of the brain that controls movement on that side, which is often seen in strokes. Specifically, it reflects potential motor impairment attributed to a neurological event affecting the corresponding hemisphere of the brain. While unilateral arm strength can also relate to stroke symptoms, it is important to distinguish that specific weakness—such as in the leg—often directly impacts mobility and balance, critical factors in assessing acute stroke events. Regular speech and full facial symmetry, on the other hand, are typically indicators of functioning neural pathways and are less likely associated with an acute stroke diagnosis, where you would expect to see speech difficulties and facial droop instead.